Born on September 27, 1904 in New York, NY. An undefeated amateur star (50-0), in 1922 he won the New York State, New York City, National and International amateur lightweight championships within a 10-month period. He was also the 1922 National AAU bantamweight champion.

Terris joined the paid ranks the same year and over the next nine years met and beat top fighters of his era and became a standout gate attraction. Among those he defeated include Jimmy Goodrich (W 12), Ace Hudkins (W 10) and Hall of Famers Sammy Mandell (W 10), Billy Petrolle (W 10), Rocky Kansas (W DQ 5) and Johnny Dundee (W 12). On June 15, 1927, he met his life-long friend and fellow East Side boxing star Ruby Goldstein at the Polo Grounds. Terris got off the canvas to score a first round knockout of his friendly foe. Although a championship bout eluded him, his combination of uncanny foot and hand speed, lightning quick left jab and tremendous ring intellect, cemented his reputation as one of the sports top lightweight practitioners.

The 5’ 7” pugilist retired in 1931 with a pro docket of 92-13-5 (12 KOs). He died on December 30, 1974 at age 70 in Miami, FL.